The former Chattels store in Dereham could be turned into a new gym. Photo: Jessica Frank-Keyes

The 29-year-old from Dereham, who runs gyms in Wymondham and Attleborough, received £20,000 in funding from a district council start up scheme and hopes to attract up to 800 members from the town and surrounding area

"I had to put together a business plan and pitch the idea," he said.

"They offered the chance to pitch for up to £20,000 and I managed to get the full amount.

"It has been one of my life's ambitions to open a gym here.

The floor plan of the new gym in the Chattels store, designed by Architech. Photo: Supplied by Nathan Gostling/ARCHITECH

"It's a health and fitness club for everybody - we're catering for affordable fitness and giving people value for money."